Affinity Water is excited to announce its participation in an educational session with local Beaver Scouts at the River Ivel, aimed at inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards. On 2nd October, Affinity Water's team engaged the young Beavers with hands-on activities highlighting the importance of chalk streams and water conservation.
Led by Beaver Leader and environmental advocate Glyn Holt - who also serves as a volunteer task leader with Friends of Baldock Green Spaces (FOBGS) - the visit kick-started the Beavers' journey towards earning their Earth Tribe Award. This award encourages young people to learn about protecting the planet and inspires them to become "planet champions." The visit marked the beginning of their "Champions for Nature" badge pathway, aimed at fostering appreciation for local habitats and how they could be preserved.
Glyn Holt, Volunteer Task Leader said:
"As a Beaver Leader and environmental advocate, it's incredibly rewarding to see the next generation get excited about protecting our natural world.”
"This visit to the River Ivel marks the start of an important journey for these young Beavers as they work towards their Earth Tribe Award. Through hands-on activities and learning about the importance of chalk streams, we hope to inspire them to become true champions for nature, ensuring our local habitats are preserved for the future."
Affinity Water colleagues Chloe Bench and Sarah Caleb, who has a background in education, along with Mike Pagonas from the Catchment Team, delivered interactive demonstrations during the session. Chloe organised and led the kick sampling and water quality testing, giving the Beavers the chance to see and learn about aquatic invertebrates up close. Mike also demonstrated a borehole dip, providing the Beavers with hands-on experience in water management and environmental science. These activities offered a unique opportunity for the group to engage with key aspects of environmental conservation.
Chloe Bench, Project Manager at Affinity Water said:
“We're thrilled to collaborate with the Beaver Scouts and ignite their curiosity about chalk streams, which are such a vital part of our natural environment. Seeing their enthusiasm for hands-on learning is inspiring, and it's a real privilege to guide them through this journey of discovery.”
“By engaging with them at this young age, we’re not just teaching about water conservation - we’re planting the seeds for a lifelong commitment to protecting the environment. It’s essential that they understand the impact they can have on our planet’s future, and experiences like these are the first steps in becoming true guardians of nature."
Affinity Water’s involvement underscores its ongoing commitment to protecting chalk streams and fostering community awareness of environmental conservation. Chalk streams are one of the world's rarest habitats, and through efforts like this, Affinity Water hopes to inspire local communities to take active steps in preserving these vital ecosystems.
